Chapter 17: Attack on Hogsmeade

Weeks passed and the weather warmed into spring, then summer like atmosphere graced the grounds. Despite the cancelation of Hogsmeade trips, no attacks came. Remus closed the newspaper and handed it to Sirius across the breakfast table. He was looking pale and sickly as he always did so close to the full moon.

"The Order has been working over time," Remus observed as Sirius flipped through the Prophet, scanning for any mention of an attack.

"How do you know, Moony," asked Peter glancing from his essay.

"Well, the Prophet doesn't mention any threat to Hogsmeade directly. I suppose that's them keeping it quiet."

"Not to mention that there hasn't been a successful attack after all this time," James agreed.

Sirius turned the page and paused at the picture of a hooded figure. She seemed to spot the photographer, raise her wand as if ready to strike. But something drew her attention away and with a final glance at the photographer she rushed off and into the night. Even though her face was hidden, Sirius could tell it was Bellatrix Lestrange.

"They've tried," Sirius said looking over the headlines. "Look here, Suspicious Muggles Wander Closer to Hogsmeade and Curfew Tightens at Rumored Dementor Sighting. That can only be some kind of attempts from the other side."

"I can't believe Professor Dumbledore won't let you join until you graduate," Peter said.

"Doesn't want to worry about underaged magic, I guess," Remus said with a shrug.

"I'm not underaged, I'm an adult," James replied.

"It's so easy to forget," Lily said without looking up from her own textbook.

James gave her a smirk and stuck out his tongue.

"Did you get asked to join,Remus," Peter asked curiously. Sirius closed the paper and noticed that Remus was looking a bit green as he sniffed the air.

A moment later, Sirius could smell what was bothering him- a Gryffindor 4th year smelled as if a whole bottle of perfume had spilled on her. James muttered a spell and the smell dissipated quickly.

"No," Remus said giving James a thankful look. "My condition complicates things a bit, I'm afraid."

"Nonsense," Sirius snapped. "I bet he is waiting until after N.E.W.T.s. He only asked us now because we got attacked over break."

Remus didn't look convinced. Instead he changed the subject. "Where's Calamity?"

"Library," replied Sirius and Lily in unison.

"She doesn't eat," asked James.

"She does, but only in the depths of night when she can emerge from her library corner in her true form," Sirius explained, taking an extra muffin for the missing girl. "Rumor has it that every midnight, if you listen carefully, you can hear her calling on the wind 'Stuuudy! Stuuuuudy. Sirius, you need to stuuudy!"

"Of course he never listens."

Sirius jumped with surprise and turned to see Calamity and Margaret smirking at his story. Sirius held up the muffin as a peace offering.

"Only teasing."

She pinched his cheek a tad harder than necessary, "I know."

"Did you send in your response yet," James asked. "To St. Mungo's I mean."

"No, I'm in a bit of a bind," Calamity admitted. "If I become a healer I can't choose sides."

"I mean, you could if no one knew," Peter offered.

"Not very ethical, Wormtail," Remus said.

"Yes, yes, of course," Peter said hurriedly. He glanced at his toast before scribbling something on his essay.

"It's a big decision and with all the homework and studying I haven't had much time to think it over," Calamity explained.

"Exams are ages away," Sirius said kissing her on the cheek. "Besides, you'll ace them as always."

"N.E.W.T.s are a month from now," Lily said. Sirius' face dropped.

"What?"

"Sirius, I told you that just yesterday, remember," Calamity said biting her muffin. "stuuuudy, sssiiirrriiiuuusssss, you need to sttuuudddyyy." She wiggled her fingers dramatically and Sirius let out a bark like laugh.

"You know, once N.E.W.T.s are over we'll practically be graduated," Remus said softly. There was a heavy silence and Sirius felt the first pangs of nostalgia for his Hogwarts years. Soon, he would be out in the real world: in his flat with Calamity and fighting in the war with the Order. He glanced over Lily, Margaret, and Peter's faces. They looked as thoughtful as he felt. Would they remain friends? Could they survive outside these enchanted walls? Sirius felt a warm hand on his and glanced down to see Calamity holding his hand. He smiled at her and knew it would all work out fine.

N.E.W.T.s hit Sirius like the knight bus. They were split into smaller groups than usual to take all exams and decrease the temptation to cheat. Half way through his potions exam Sirius couldn't help but think that perhaps he should have studied more in his formative years instead of planning pranks. Of course, he knew that if he had been able to do it all over again he wouldn't have changed a thing.

He stepped back from his potion to let it simmer, the blue liquid slowly turning violet. He gazed around the room at Remus who was rolling his neck to help him refocus, Peter who's eyes were darting around the room nervously, and James smirking as the potion bubbled (though he seemed surprised by how well it was going). Where would he be without them? How might his life have been different if he, like some of the Black heirs in the past, had been home schooled. Sirius' eyes strayed to the Slytherins in the room- Snape who's hair was greasier than usual from the humidity of so many potions and Avery who had a nasty look on his face. Avery glanced up and caught Sirius' eye. A disdainful look pulled across his face, eyes narrowing dangerously. Sirius glared back, not looking away until Avery had to turn back to his potion.

He could have been like them, Sirius thought. If he hadn't met James, Remus, and Peter, he could have continued on with the pureblood mentality, perhaps pulled into Voldemort's ranks like so many of his childhood playmates, Regulus, and Bellatrix. Sirius felt a swell of gratitude for the Marauders. They had saved him from that fate. He glanced back at his potion and saw the pale violet color. He stirred clockwise while adding the crushed flobberworms.

In charms the groups shrank and rearranged so that he and James were in the same room as Calamity and Lily. The charms room had been cleared of all tables and chairs, a raised platform in the center for two to three students at a time to stand on and perform the required and requested spells. Lily easily followed all instructions, completing all charms nonverbally with a delicate flair of a master. Professor Flitwick was overjoyed. As she left the room she gave Calamity a thumbs up and winked at James and Sirius.

Sirius watched Calamity take the platform, James on the left and a Ravenclaw Sirius didn't know on her right. Her eyes flashed. Sirius couldn't help but feel relieved he was not on the receiving end of the look. The focus alone could kill a man from fright. Calamity's work was easily at Exceeding Expectations, though she faltered for half a second on her water spell and Sirius could see her shaking her head at herself. She scolded herself silently as the Ravenclaw performed the same spell. Sirius was nowhere near as fluid. his wand work needed a bit more practice, but all charms came out satisfactory and he couldn't imagine that he did anything worse than Acceptable.

By the end of the week Sirius felt mentally exhausted. He plopped on top of James as he napped on the couch in the common room.

"Merlin, Padfoot, you're a whale!"

"Well, that's not very nice," Sirius said wiggling himself to increase James' discomfort.

"Don't you have a lady friend for this now?"

"She's finishing up her tests. Just you and me."

"How romantic." James elbowed Sirius in the rib and Sirius made a sound of pain, falling onto the floor.

"Been thinking,Prongs," Sirius began.

"I was wondering what that burning smell was," James replied straightening his glasses and stretching out again. Sirius glared at him, but continued as if uninterrupted.

"We've been working pretty hard- harder than I think we have ever."

"Harder than when we were trying to become animagi?"

"Well, as hard as we have ever tried in required school work, any way. Point is, I think we all deserve a celebration."

James opened an eye lazily and watched Sirius as if he already knew what Sirius was going to say. Sirius said it any way.

"Hogsmeade."

"Lily might not like it," James said closing his eye. "Trips being canceled and all for the protection of the students."

"I think you can convince Lily Evans with all that Prongs charm of yours."

"Convince me of what?"

James opened both eyes and smiled at his redheaded girlfriend as she leaned over the back of the couch.

"A celebration," James said slyly.

"What's wrong with celebrating," asked Remus.

"That's how I feel," Sirius agreed.

"Where's the celebration," asked Lily. She waved at Calamity as she entered the portrait hole, dropping her bag on the floor and falling dramatically on the overstuffed armchair. Sirius exchanged a glance with James.

"Three Broomsticks," asked Remus, but his tone showed he already knew the answer. Calamity looked at Sirius and he gave his most charming smile.

"We've earned it," Sirius said.

"Alright," Lily said.

Everyone turned quickly to her and James sat up completely, looking as if he had never seen Lily before.

"Really," asked Sirius excitedly.

"Really. You're right, we've worked hard and I imagine you know how to get us there and back without getting caught. Might as well have our last trip."

James was still watching Lily as if he were worried his girlfriend had been replaced by a pod-person.

"Peter ia still testing for a bit," Remus said. "We'll have to bring something back for him."

"Margaret as well," Calamity said. It was Sirius' turn to look surprised.

"So," he said slowly, suspicious of his good fortune. "We all agree?"

Lily checked her watch.

"Let's go before I change my mind."

Hogsmeade was oddly quiet when they arrived. It had been a while since they had visited and Sirius couldn't help but notice that the approaching curfew forced the few figures on the street to rush from store to store as if at any moment they could be attacked. The teens walked in silence until they found a booth in the back of the Three Broomsticks. Remus excused himself to the restroom and James and Sirius hurried to get the butterbeers, but even Rosmerta seemed distracted. She barely laughed at their jokes. When they returned they found Lily and Calamity bent together in conspirator whispers. Sirius placed the drinks down.

"What's the gossip," he asked jovially, refusing to fall into a funk. He kissed Calamity's cheek.

"Calamity was just filling me in to the fact that she accepted the offer to join the Healer program," Lily said. "Why didn't you tell us, Sirius."

Sirius took a sip of butterbeer, feeling the warmth from the liquid and news slipping through his insides.

"I didn't mention it," Calamity said hurriedly, giving him an apologetic look. "I didn't want to distract anyone from N.E.W.T.s"

"She's a giver! Congratulations, Calamity," Sirius said pulling her closer enthusiastically. A bit too enthusiastically because as a splash of her butterbeer slipped over her cup and onto his shirt. He magiced it away quickly with a bark like laugh.

"She also told me about your flat," Lily said approvingly. "That's wonderful! Right in London!"

"My little Padfoot is all grown up," James said with a sniff. "Next he'll be able to use the bathroom on his own."

"Speaking of using the restroom," Sirius said throwing a napkin at James. "Where's Remus?"

"Hasn't come back yet," Lily said.

James and Sirius exchanged a look and Calamity moved away from Sirius, giving him a soft nudge.

"Well, go get him," she said with a smile. Sirius chuckled at her mind reading and headed towards the bathrooms.

He peaked inside but didn't see anyone. So he called out, "Moony?"

There was no response. He leaned back into the corridor and looked around. There was the women's bathroom next to the men's and an Employee's Only sign on the door at the end of the corridor. The Employee's door was slightly ajar. Sirius reached for his wand instinctively, feeling it in his pocket as he approached the door silently. He could see Remus and a tall robed figure within, though he couldn't make out who it was. Remus looked pale and tired, but annoyance was also etched across his face. The larger figure was talking in a gruff voice, almost like a growl.

"Consider what you will gain from changing a world that would rather see us destitute and dead rather than thriving. Do we owe that world any loyalty?"

"As I said," Remus sreplied. "I am not in any position to discuss what you wish to talk about. You have me confused with someone else."

His eyes darted to the door and widened just slightly, almost unnoticeably, as they met with Sirius'.

"You're the werewolf Lupin-"

The gruff man made a sound of pain and clutched his left forearm. He glanced back at Remus before snapping, "This conversation isn't over." With a pop he disapparated.

Remus leaned back against the barrel of butterbeer and released a breathe as Sirius entered, wand drawn.

"What was that all about," asked Sirius.

"Let's talk about it later, shall we, Padfoot?"

Sirius wanted to push on and talk about it now, but just as he was about to protest there was a loud explosion that shook the building. Screams came from outside and then another explosion. It would have to wait. Remus drew his wand quickly and the two turned tail to return to their table. But, the table wasn't there.

The three broomsticks had a hole in the ceiling and the chunk missing had crushed the spot their table had once been. Dust covered the all but deserted room. The only remaining people were hidden in silent fear. Sirius could see Rosmerta's emerald green heel sticking out from behind a turned table. A second later it disappeared completely hidden.

"Padfoot," Remus said. Sirius followed his line of vision to see a group of robed people walking down the street, shooting spells and shouting in tones Sirius could not decode.

"Let's go," Sirius said and they hurried out. Sirius shot a stunning spell at the first robed figure he saw, but he missed when Remus pulled his arm and dragged him into an alley.

"Moony," Sirius raged.

"We can't fight them, Padfoot," Remus said hurriedly.

He peaked around just as a shot of green streaked passed them towards a stray cat. It hit the cat and for a moment it seemed frozen in time, then it fell over motionless.

"We need to head to the Shrieking Shack," Remus said.

"What about Calamity, Lily, and Prongs," snapped Sirius. He tried to pull away, but Remus' iron grip did not let him.

"That's where Prongs will take them. It's our best bet. There are too many to fight," Remus said.

Sirius made a sound of frustration, but knew that Remus was right. Even getting to the Shrieking Shack would be difficult. There was the sound of another explosion and laughter.

"We'll make a run for the next alley on three," Remus said motioning to the alley a few buildings away. "Ready?"

Sirius tightened his grip on his wand.

"One...two...three!"

The two teens rushed out, shooting curses and hexes as they went. Sirius managed to stun a masked figure, but the moment the robed figure hit the ground his friend shot a purple hex their way. Remus muttered a shield charm and the purple light bounced away harmlessly.

In the next alleyway they gasped for breathe.

"That could have gone better," Remus admitted. "We'll have to move faster now that they know we're here and potentially hostile."

"Potentially," Sirius said, rage pumping in his ears. "Nothing potential about it. I could fight these-"

Remus pulled Sirius through a back door and they crouched down in a tea shop of some kind, forgotten by the madness outside.

"You're not helping anyone by being dead," Remus hissed.

The sound of his voice carried in the silent room, but so did the voices outside. The figures had followed them to the alley and were looking for where they could have escaped pointed to the supply room. There would be an exit there for deliveries.

They managed o avoid detection for the rest of their journey and soon the Shrieking Shack came into view. They continued at their steady and cautious pace, until Sirius could see the flaming red hair of Lily Evans and the tall figure fo Frank Longbottom. They were both peering down at Calamity, who was kneeled over someone. Sirius felt a burst of energy and sprinted up the hill.

James was lying on the ground, eyes closed with a grimace on his face as Calamity dropped a silver liquid on his exposed shoulder. With each drop James' expression worsened, then relaxed, then the grimace appeared couldn't look away at the hex marks that spread from the point of impact to run across his shoulder. There was no blood, but the flesh was exposed.

"Is that all of you," Frank said as Sirius dropped to his knees. Remus nodded.

"Prongs," Sirius said desperately. James opened his eyes and let another grimace pass before smiling at Sirius.

"What took you so long, Padfoot? We've been waiting for ages."

"Ran into some trouble," Sirius replied. He caught Calamity's glance with his worried one.

"He'll be fine," Calamity said, clearly shaken by the night's events. "The spell made it through the shield, but it was weakened."

"Lily was brilliant, Padfoot," James said looking at Lily admiringly before another grimace rippled passed his features.

Lily's face was tear stained, though she managed to sniff enough to smile at the compliment.

"We saw the big man himself and Lily just handled it. Sent him crying for his followers," James explained through gritted teeth.

"The Order came just in time," Lily added.

Sirius could hear calls coming from the village. The voices were getting closer.

"I'll slow them down," Frank said. "Can you move, James?"

James sat up and winced, but nodded.

"Just a flesh wound," he said.

Calamity looked less sure, but they were out of options. The teens rushed towards the shack. Remus kicked open a low lying, dust covered window. They rushed in and Lily muttered a charm, the window repairing itself good as new. No one spoke until they had fallen down exhausted in the Gryffindor Common room. It was Calamity who spoke first, turning to James.

"You need to go to the Hospital Wing immediately."

"You got it, Doc," James said with another wince.

"I'll go too," Lily said. She rushed him from the common room and Sirius watched helplessly until the portrait closed. Rage filled him, begging to be let out on anything or anyone. They had been attacked and they could have died and there was nothing he could have done about it. He turned furiously on the only two people in the room, his eyes falling on Remus.

"Why wouldn't you let me fight," he demanded. Remus looked up from the fire, his features tired, but martyr like. That enraged Sirius even more.

"Padfoot, we had to get back."

"You were scared! That deatheater talked to you and you didn't want us to fight."

"Of course I didn't want us to fight deatheaters," Remus snapped. "I want us to live until the end of the year. Just look what happened! Lily, James, and Calamity saw You-Know-Who. If we had stayed and fought we might have run into him as he retreated."

"I would have-" Sirius began.

"Killed him? You would have killed the Dark Lord, Sirius? Then what? Died heroically when his followers found you?"

"Better than to run away like cowards!"

Remus slammed his hand onto the table and Sirius fell silent, his eyes still glaring daggers at Remus. Remus' face moved from anger to a look of sadness, then to tired neutrality.

"We got to James just in time," he said softly. "We got to where we were needed and we're alive to fight another day."

He stood and moved through the common room, then disappeared up the stairs out of sight. Sirius watched him go silently, still fuming. The only noise was the crackling of the fire.

"He's right," Calamity said after a long while.

Sirius made a sound of annoyance and rage, turning over on the couch.

"I found him talking to a deatheater," Sirius said. "Just before the attack."

Calamity looked over her shoulder at Sirius, eye-shining and somber. He felt his throat tighten, remembering her bent over James. James' fresh wound.

"You saw You-Know-Who," he asked. She nodded.

"Lily was magnificent," she said. "But if Frank and the Order hadn't come along when they did, we might not have made it."

"Why didn't you leave," snapped Sirius. He couldn't help but imagine seeing those bodies in the St. Mungo's attack, his fear that she would be hurt. Then to see James' wound...

"James wasn't going to leave you two," Calamity said. "And neither were Lily or I. You came right in time."

Sirius made another huff of frustration, desperate to hold onto his rage towards Remus. Calamity didn't say anything else. She kissed his forehead and went to bed.

Sirius was left alone to watch the fire dying away with his anger, leaving only a desperate pit of regret.

A/N: DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW! WHAT DO YOU THINK?